Gallant Slipper Third for Sunlight

Zoustar filly Sunlight lost few admirers with her tenacious third placing in the $3.5 million Group I ATC Golden Slipper at Rosehill on Saturday.

The Tony McEvoy trained filly was riding a five race winning streak coming into the Slipper with wins in the Magic Millions 2YO Classic, Group II ATC Silver Slipper and Group III ATC Magic Night Stakes at her last three runs.

She travelled well for Luke Currie just behind the leaders and was in contention all the way to the line chasing home Estijaab and Oohood to be third beaten just a length and a half.

“I thought when she straightened she was a chance. She just held her ground from there but was still gallant in defeat,” said Luke Currie.

A $300,000 Magic Millions purchase from the Widden Stud draft for Aquis/McEvoy Mitchell Racing/Blue Sky Bloodstock, Sunlight has the overall record of five wins from seven starts with earnings of $1.8 million and her owners include Katie Thompson of Widden Stud.

Bred by Widden Stud in partnership, Sunlight is a half-sister to Group III placed Sheikha and is the third winner from former speedy filly Solar Charged, winner of the Group III ATC Kindergarten Stakes at her second start.

Zoustar is a clear leader on the Australian First Season Sires list with four winners and progeny earnings of $2.3 million.